Summary This position will be filled in one of the following GAO Teams, located in Washington, DC (HQ) or a Field Office (Atlanta, GA; Boston, MA; Los Angeles, CA; Chicago, IL; Oakland, CA; Seattle, WA): GAO Teams and Offices Applied Research and Methods (ARM) Financial Markets and Community Investment (FMCI) International Affairs and Trade (IAT) Responsibilities The GAO is seeking an experienced professional to serve as a Senior Economist; responsible for providing economics research in support of GAO's engagements and performing advanced economic analyses of federal programs and policies. Specifically, the incumbent: Identifies economic issues and participates in design, data collection and analysis, message development, and report writing. Develops econometric analyses of economic, financial, and administrative data to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of federal programs and policies. Applies advanced economic concepts and tools to the evaluation of federal programs and policies. Assesses economic trade-offs associated with federal programs and policies, including their impact on individuals, businesses, markets, prices and quantities. Critically evaluates economic research conducted by federal agencies, academics and other experts to determine quality, relevance and implications for federal programs and policies. Reviews draft reports to ensure accuracy, precision, and clarity of presentation of economic issues and data. Clearly communicates in writing the methods and conclusions of advanced economic and econometric analyses and evaluations of economic research. Presents results of economic research in formal and informal settings, including message agreement discussions, team meetings, and briefings for Congressional staff. In collaboration with multi-disciplinary team members, develops findings and recommendations and prepares GAO products that provide factual and analytical information in a clear, balanced manner that meets the needs of congressional clients. Requirements Conditions of Employment Must be a U.S. Citizen. Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable. Completion of a financial disclosure statement is required. Completion of a probationary period is required. Must meet/maintain background and suitability requirements for employment. You may be required to obtain and maintain a security clearance depending on the engagements, projects, and initiatives you are assigned to. Qualifications In addition to the education requirement, you must have 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower band or level equivalent to the GS-12 in the federal service, or comparable private or public sector experience. For this position, specialized experience is defined as experience applying statistical research techniques to collect and interpret data and developing new economic models or theories under the supervision of a senior researcher, such as a faculty member or manager. You must also meet the following Selective Placement Factor (SPF): Experience authoring economics research papers that provide evidence of knowledge of current advanced economic theories and research techniques in applied economics. A writing sample, such as a research paper, that provides evidence of knowledge of current advanced economic theories and research techniques in applied economics must be submitted as part of your application package. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. You must meet all qualifications requirements before the closing date of this announcement. Education This position has a positive education requirement. YOU MUST SUBMIT A COPY OF YOUR TRANSCRIPT SHOWING THIS COURSEWORK. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN LOSS OF CONSIDERATION. A. Degree in economics that included at least 21 semester hours in economics and 3 semester hours in statistics, accounting, or calculus; OR B. Combination of education and experience - courses equivalent to a major in economics, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed outside of the United States must be deemed equivalent to that gained in conventional/accredited U.S. education programs to be acceptable for Federal employment. Most foreign education is not accredited by an accrediting body that is recognized by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education. If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html Additional Information This is a bargaining unit position. Based on the staffing needs, additional selections may be made through this vacancy announcement. Travel and relocation expenses will not be paid for by the GAO.GAO participates in the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify). E-Verify helps employers determine employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security numbers. If selected, you will be required to complete the Form I-9 at the time of appointment. Click here for more information about E-Verify and to obtain a copy of the Form I-9. You will be required to complete questions contained on the Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306) at the time a tentative job offer is made. At the time of appointment, you will be required to update the OF-306. You will be subject to a determination of suitability for Federal employment. GAO provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request accommodation, please email ReasonableAccommodations@gao.gov. GAO's policy is to provide equal employment opportunity for all regardless of race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity. GAO is part of the Legislative Branch of the Federal government. As such, all positions are in the excepted service. Initial appointments, permanent or indefinite, to the GAO require completion of a probationary period.